UNESCO HIV and Health Education Clearinghouse

Search resources

Search results

The situation of millions of children whose lives continue to be blighted by the impacts of HIV/AIDS seems still to be 'under the radar' of national and global policymakers (Foster, 2005). Sub-Saharan Africa has two-thirds of all people living with HIV worldwide, but is home to over three-quarters of children orphaned by AIDS and to a staggering 91% of all new pediatric infections. Infants and children are considerably less likely to receive lifesaving antiretroviral treatment (ART) than adults (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, 2009). …

More than 30 percent of school-aged children have lost at least one parent in Malawi. Lack of investments in human capital and adverse conditions during childhood are often associated with lower living standards in the future. Therefore, if orphans face an increased risk of poverty, exploitation, malnutrition, and poorer access to health care and schooling, early intervention is critical so as to avoid the potential poverty trap. …